Sixteen.

“I can’t believe you are dating Sidney Crosby.” Travis said when we got into the car to go to the game.

“I’m not dating him.” I simply said.

“Oh come on Grace, you are.” KellyAnn said.

“Can you two try and not embarrass me infront of him though?” I asked.

“What? We are going to meet him?” Travis asked.

“Well he does want to meet my sister.” I said.

“I will make sure Travis behaves himself.” KellyAnn said.

“You really like him don’t you?” KellyAnn asked me once we took our seats. It was right after they came out to the ice. I must have gotten a smile on my face or something.

“I do like him. I like him a lot, but he is Sidney Crosby.” I whispered so no one could hear me.

“So what?”

“So why would he want to date me? Why would he want to date someone that has a history?” I asked.

“Why wouldn’t he want to date you? You shouldn’t write yourself off, Grace.” She said.

“I want to like him and I want to trust him. Its just all bad timing.” I said.

“How so?”

“He will leave after this.” I explained.

“He will come back.”

“Yeah, and who knows what those few months will do.”

“Have some faith.” She said.

“I have faith and I’m not worried about it. I just don’t want to be heartbroken. I don’t want to think that this could turn out well, because chances are they won’t.” I said.

“You don’t know that. He could be your prince charming.” She said.

“You have never even met him, KellyAnn.”

“I know, but I saw your face when you saw him just now. Even hockey players need someone to love.” She said.

“They have plenty of girls to choose from. Whats to say that even if he had one girl he wouldn’t be sleeping with four others?”

“Nothing but trust and faith. You never seemed this way before with Liam or anything.”

“Yeah, Liam cheated on me, remember?” I said.

“He’s not Liam.” She said.

“I know.. that’s a good and bad thing.” I said.

“I will never understand you and Liam. If you love eachother, date eachother.” She said.

“I love him, but I don’t want to date him.” I said.

“Yeah, and you don’t want to date you know who either.”

“I want to date him, I just don’t think it will work especially with thousands of miles between us.” I said.

“Oh baby sister, I wish you just had more faith in love.” She said shaking her head.

“I have plenty faith, just not faith when the person you are dating happens to have millions of fans.” I said smiling.

“Good game.” I said to him after the game.

“I don’t know if I would say that.. but we won.” He said looking tired.

“That’s all that really matters.” I said.

“This is KellyAnn and Travis.” I said to him.

“I heard a lot about you.” KellyAnn said.

“Oh great..” He said rolling his eyes.

“So how long are you guys here for?” Sidney asked.

“I’m not really sure. Probably like three more days. Travis has to get back to work.” KellyAnn said.

“Where do you guys live?” Sidney asked trying to be polite.

“We live in Philly, but we are both looking for different jobs.” She said.

“What do you do?” Sidney asked.

“I’m a civil engineer and she is a teacher.” He said.

“Oh, wow. So you want to stay in Pennsylvania?” Sidney asked.

“Not necessarily. We were looking for something in Pittsburgh since its closer to my parents. We looked out of state. Anything that is good for both of us.” KellyAnn said.

“Oh I see.” Sidney said.

“Well we should probably go.” I said.

“Do you want to come with me for awhile?” Sidney asked.

“Yeah.. I’ll see you later.” I said to KellyAnn.

“Your sister seems nice.” Sidney said once we got into his car.

“Yeah. You would like Marlana and Simon, they are funny too.” I said.

“How is it having your parents here?” He asked.

“Its weird having them in the apartment. I mean I miss them, but I have gotten use to not having anyone around.” I explained.

“Have your classes started yet?” He asked.

“Oh yeah..” I said.

“Which ones are you taking?”

“I’m taking a physics, calculus, and chemistry class.” I said.

“Oh light summer stuff, I see.” He said smiling.

“Oh definitely.” I said.

“I need something to keep me busy over the summer.” I said.

“You know I’ll be back in Pittsburgh before you know it.” He said.

“It’s a long time, Sidney. A lot can happen then.” I said.

“Can I ask you a question?” He asked.

“Of course.”

“Did you wear a wig or anything when you were going through cancer?” He asked.

“No, never. I donated my hair to Locks of Love before I shaved it. Then I shaved it and I was bald from the chemo. It started growing back in like January, like just some scruff. I didn’t really care what my hair looked like. By the start of senior year, it just looked like I had a short haircut.” I explained.

“Random question.” I said.

“I just wonder these things sometimes.” He said.

“You can ask me whatever you want. I’m pretty much an open book.” I said.

“Do you want to have dinner with Mario and Nathalie tomorrow night?” He asked.

“If that’s what you want.. then sure.” I said.